Midwifery is significantly one of the most critical roles in modern healthcare. While to many people, “midwife” may sound old-fashioned or mundane, however, nurse midwives are definitely the consistent need of mankind.
They are, in reality, the present and future of childbirth. As a result, doing this course might lead to a full-time undergraduate degree or an apprenticeship for a midwifery degree. Intriguingly, the top midwifery colleges to study may be found in this site.
Nurses must be well-trained in general through education and practical hours in hospitals, but midwife nurses must go above and beyond. Are you seeking for the best midwifery schools to further your education? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.
After reading this article, you will be able to choose which school is ideal for your midwifery career. So just follow along with me and you’ll have a great time.
A comprehensive approach to women’s health and birthing is called midwifery. Midwives are women who assist and care for women during the delivery of a child, with a focus on natural delivery and nursing mother care. The birth of a child is a momentous occasion, and these highly trained specialists are on hand to ensure that this momentous occasion goes off without a hitch.
Also, like any nursing profession, Midwifery takes talent, skill, and dedication. Truly, the professionals who undertake this career are in for challenging yet rewarding work.
Who is a Midwife?
According to Wikipedia, midwifery is the health science and health profession that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in addition to the sexual and reproductive health of women throughout their lives.
Midwives are trained health professionals who assist women during their pregnancy, childbirth, and early postpartum period. Midwives can deliver infants at birthing centers or even in their own homes, but the majority of them can also deliver infants in hospitals.
However, midwifery is a separate profession from nursing, although there is a shortened training route for registered adult nurses. They can also be assisted by maternity support workers and are responsible for supervising them.
Actually, the typical duties of a midwife include:
How long will it take to study Midwifery?
A normal bachelor’s degree in midwifery curriculum takes four (4) years to complete, including one year of nursing experience and three years in a nurse-midwifery program. Students who attend school full-time and do well in their subjects might expect to finish in eight years.
Also, because each institution and employer sets its own criteria, admission requirements for midwifery degree programmes and degree apprenticeships may vary, but you’ll almost certainly need three A-levels or comparable level 3 certificates, as well as supporting GCSEs.
Of course, admission is quite tough, so strive for very excellent A-level grades (or equivalent qualifications at level 3). Many courses include desirable or required disciplines, such as at least one science topic, such as biology, or a social science field.
How much does a Midwife earn? | Salary
Actually, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for Certified Nurse-Midwives(CNMs) in the United States was $113,930 in 2018.
Also, salaries for other related careers to midwifery were as follows:
Nurse anesthetists | $167,950 |
Nurse practitioners | 107,030 |
Nurse-midwives | 103,770 |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not keep data for Certified Professional Midwives(CPMs), but the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council reports that CPMs charge $2000 to $4000 per birth, depending on location and experience, and that a busy solo practice can expect to can attend to two to four births per month.
What is the job growth for Midwifery?
The United States, on the other hand, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of midwife posts is expected to increase by as much as 26% between 2018 and 2028, substantially faster than the average for all occupations.
The rate of job growth will also differ by occupation. Because nurse midwives are a minor sector, the rapid expansion will only result in roughly 1,000 new positions over the next ten years.
Where Can I work as a Midwife?
You can work as a nurse-midwife at hospitals, doctors’ offices, or birthing facilities, and new graduates can look for work in these settings.
Through their clinical experiences, midwives frequently create useful professional contacts, which might lead to a job offer or advise on career vacancies in the sector.
How much does it cost to study Midwifery?
Tuition fees for most certified nurse midwife programs are listed by credits available. Nurse-midwifery students participating in a Master of Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program should anticipate to spend between $500 and $700 per credit on average, however this varies depending on the institution and area.
Are there any certification or licensure requirements to Become a Midwife?
A certifying agency issues certification for each midwifery path. The American Midwifery Certification Board certifies Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs), whereas the North American Registry of Midwives certifies CPMs.
Both certifying organizations are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. To be certified, CNMs and CMs must graduate from an accredited nurse-midwifery or midwifery program.
CPMs can also earn certification by completing an accredited program, but they may earn certification by passing a portfolio evaluation process.
In addition to certification, most states require midwives to have a license to practice, but the licensure requirements for midwives vary by state.
CNMs must have a current registered nursing license, finish an authorized nurse-midwifery program, and pass the American Midwifery Certification Board’s national board licensure test to become certified or licensed.
CPMs are recognized and licensed differently in each jurisdiction. As a result, most states require CPMs to get a license to practice, while others do not.
Why Study Midwifery?
If you have read to this extent, then really a career in midwifery will certainly suit you for your patience and passion.
Because no one enters the field of midwifery without a desire to serve women and bring new life into the world. It’s something so lovely and natural that it’s easy to feel compelled to pursue it.
You’d be glad to be a part of this life-giving process, feeling the tremendous joy that comes with hearing a newborn baby cry and being covered in blood.
Also, when you do the same work in the same spot every day, life might get monotonous. Midwifery, on the other hand, requires you to move about a lot. You may go from house to house, getting a look into the lives of the individuals with whom you work. You have a deeper knowledge of the people with whom you are able to spend these private moments.
Midwives also get to make their own decisions. They are regarded as highly qualified medical professionals in most nations, with the ability to rule themselves. This isn’t to say that midwives avoid interacting with other nurses or medical professionals. This liberty helps midwives to fulfill their implicit social contract by staying current on medical best practices and providing high-quality care to their patients, mothers and child, and following a strict code of ethics.
Best Midwifery Schools in the World 2021
#1. Midwives College of Utah
The Midwives College of Utah, previously the Utah School of Midwifery, is a direct-entry midwifery training school with its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, however all programs are totally online, according to wiki. It is one of the nation’s largest and longest-running direct-entry (out-of-hospital) midwifery programs, having been established in 1980.
Midwives College of Utah also offers two midwifery degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM) and a Master of Science in Midwifery (MSM) (MSM). The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), an independent, nonprofit organization recognized by the US Department of Education as an accrediting agency of direct-entry midwifery programs, has certified the degree programs and programs.
The institution also offers postpartum doula and birthing education certification, as well as continuing education courses for doulas, midwives, health professionals, and community members.
Furthermore, it has a 100 percent acceptance rate and a N/A graduation rate. Furthermore, the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1. MCUtah has a high admission rate and a good student-faculty ratio, which helps it to score well one of the best midwifery colleges in the world. Their tuition fee is $43,560.
#2. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing, which was founded in 1873, provides advanced practice nursing specialities to fit a variety of professional interests and learning styles.
Master of Nursing Program, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Ph.D. in Nursing Science are the three graduate programs in midwifery offered by Vanderbilt University. They also offer post-certifications Master’s and postdoctoral programs, which allow midwives to expand their expertise in their study fields and perform effective interdisciplinary research projects.
Thus, this top midwifery college has an acceptance rate of 9.6% and the graduation rate 92.9%. Also, it has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1. The tuition fee is $50,800.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
#3. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook is not just a fantastic institution, but also a pillar of Long Island and the state of New York’s life and learning. Stony Brook University started as a teacher’s college in 1957, but over the next six decades, it has evolved into a major center for research and development, attracting some of the top minds in the medical sector.
Stony Brook Medicine, on the other hand, provides not just research and education but also community health care, and the University generates almost $7 billion in economic effect on Long Island.
As a result, Stony Brooks has a 40.7 percent admittance rate and a 68.6 percent graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is also 18:1. This midwifery school, however, charges a tuition fee of about $8,999.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University was established in 1930 as a campus extension of William & Mary College. It is also the most prestigious public research institution in the United States. Of fact, ODU’s assets have far outweighed its liabilities, with a growing need for the institution to become one of Virginia’s major institutions and a complete research university.
In recent years, ODU has created a reputation for itself in online education and distant education, and it has become a fantastic alternative for medical professionals who are considering a career in academia, research, or the commercial side of the profession. This is also one of the top schools for midwives.
It also has a graduation rate of 51.7 percent and an admission rate of 84.6 percent. In addition, the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1, with a tuition charge of $5,340.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation
#5. University of Michigan
UMich is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The university is Michigan’s oldest; it was founded in 1817 in Detroit.
The University of Michigan’s Nurse-Midwifery program begins with a strong foundation in primary care and progresses to care for pregnancies, childbirths, and infants.
Antepartum Care of Essentially Normal Women, Care of the Childbearing Woman, and Intrapartum/Postpartum and Newborn Care are some examples of courses.
In addition, the University of Michigan, which is one of the finest institutions for midwifery, has a 28.6% admittance rate and a 91 percent graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is also 15:1. This institution, however, charges a tuition price of $15,558.
Higher Learning Commission accreditation (HLC)
#6. University of Southampton
The University of Southampton’s MSc in Midwifery with Advanced Standing is designed for certified practicing nurses in the NHS who want to become qualified midwives. International students are not permitted to enroll in this program, which takes two years to complete full-time.
As a result, the University of Southampton has an admittance rate of 80% and a N/A graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is also 13.5. The tuition price for UK and EU students at this university is £9,561.
Privy Council accreditation
#7. King’s College London
King’s College London provides a graduate degree in midwifery that allows you to have an impact on current practice by proposing modifications based on the latest clinical research to improve service quality.
While developing your critical thinking and analytical abilities, you’ll discover how to use new findings to improve your clinical perspective.
Some courses are designed to help registered nurses become certified midwives. Other courses are designed for midwives who want to develop their skills, knowledge, and managerial abilities, and are frequently taken part-time.
However, this London-based midwifery institution boasts a 13 percent admission rate and a 73 percent freshman retention rate. Furthermore, the student-to-faculty ratio is N/A.
Finally, the annual tuition price for UK/EU students is £9,250.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits the institution.
#8. Catholic University of Sacred Heart
UCSC or Cattolica is an Italian private research university created in 1921 by the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (English: Catholic University of the Sacred Heart).
Their nursing institution provides over ten undergraduate and graduate nurse-midwifery degree programs.
Furthermore, it has an acceptance rate of 60% with 84.0% of students making it past their freshman year. Also, the student-faculty ratio is 13:1 while the annual tuition and fees cost $43,070.
Accreditation: Italian Ministry of Education
#9. University of Minnesota
Admission to the University of Minnesota’s full-time, three-year Midwifery program will need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Professional Master’s in Nursing. Students begin with four days of on-campus course work, which grows over time, and are accredited by the ACME.
Evidence-based practice, informatics, and economics are among the subjects covered by students. The Center for Spirituality and Healing, which takes an integrated and holistic approach to women’s health, will offer several of these courses.
‘After successfully completing the midwifery course of study, graduates are qualified to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).’
Acceptance Rate (%): 44% 78.4 percent of students graduate.
#10.University of Washington
The University of Washington provides a graduate degree in Nurse-Midwifery to students who have previously established themselves as advanced practicing nurses. The program’s curriculum is comprehensive and aligned with “the standards for nurse-midwifery training as outlined by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice.”
Classes are taught using a holistic approach that covers a wide range of issues, including nutrition and breastfeeding information, as well as the use of pain drugs and epidurals during delivery. Students are also taught to be sensitive to other people’s cultures.
Students will be prepared to take the American Midwifery Certification Board test after completion. As a result, current University of Washington practicing midwives work in the Northwest Hospital’s Childbirth Center.
As a result, the University of Washington has a 45.3 percent acceptance rate and an 83.9 percent graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is also 19:1. This finest Midwifery school, on the other hand has a tuition fee of $11,445.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
You can also read: Accredited midwifery programs | Careers & Schools Read more
What are the best schools for Midwifery Online?
Online and hybrid programs are available to working nurses who desire to pursue a career as a midwife. Obtaining your degree online might also assist you in being more relatable to the ladies you will be assisting as a midwife.
As a result, here are a handful of the finest online midwifery schools:
What Are The best midwifery schools in the US?
Even here in the U.S, we have some of the best midwifery schools in the world. they include:
FAQs on the top Midwifery Schools in the World
How much does midwifery cost?
Tuition costs for most licensed nurse-midwife programs are shown by credit. Nurse-midwifery students enrolling in an MSN or DNP program should anticipate to pay roughly $500-$700 per credit on average.
What level of education is required to become a midwife?
Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and finishing an authorized MSN program with a focus in midwifery are the most typical educational paths to this job.
Can you do a masters in midwifery?
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a master’s degree in midwifery.
What is the salary of a Midwife?
Honestly, a midwife’s yearly compensation in 2018 was $113,930, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics study.
Can I study Midwifery online?
Yes, you certainly can. However, it is recommended that a midwifery certificate or license be obtained offline in order to have practical experience with women’s health and birthing.
Conclusion
Midwifery refers to the care and services offered by midwives, who are medical professionals who assist women and their families throughout pregnancy, delivery, and recovery, assuring the health of both mother and baby.
When you study midwifery at the college level, though, you’ll learn the fundamentals of midwifery science, basic health skills, midwifery care, ethics, and legislation, among other things, modules that will aid your professional development.